Pesticide Reduction by a Riding-Type Pesticide Sprayer in Tea Fields that Makes Use of a Small Fog Nozzle and a Ventilator

Abstract

In collaboration with Matsumotokiko Co., Ltd., we have developed a novel method for pesticide reduction using a riding-type pesticide sprayer (the “Kagoshima-style” pesticide sprayer) in tea fields that makes use of a small fog nozzle and a ventilator. This pesticide sprayer facilitates a marked reduction in the pesticide spray volume. It can also be installed in the conventional riding-type pest control machines and tractors.
In the first year of examination, this novel method provided results equivalent to those of conventional methods. The influence of pesticide reduction on pest management remains to be elucidated. However, this technology presents possibilities of practical use.
We would also like to advance the improvement of this method in order to correspond to tea fields in every region of the country.